Prof. Saudin Mwakaje Wins National IP Award as UDSM Deepens Innovation and Commercialization Drive
By Jackson Isdory, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has strengthened its position as a national leader in innovation, intellectual property protection, and commercialization after Prof. Saudin Mwakaje received the 2026 Outstanding Contribution to Advancing Intellectual Property Award from the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA).
The award was presented during the national commemoration of World Intellectual Property Day 2026 held at Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam on 8 May 2026. The event was officiated by the Minister for Industry and Trade, Hon. Judith Salvio Kapinga (MP), who emphasized the growing importance of intellectual property in driving industrial development, innovation, and economic transformation.
The national event brought together policymakers, innovators, researchers, legal experts, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening Tanzania’s intellectual property ecosystem and accelerating innovation-led growth.
Speaking after receiving the award, Prof. Mwakaje described the recognition as a reflection of UDSM’s long-standing commitment to protecting research outputs and promoting commercialization.
“This recognition belongs to the University of Dar es Salaam community. The University has consistently invested in strengthening intellectual property systems, protecting innovations, and promoting commercialization of research for national development”, he said.
Prof. Mwakaje, who has served in several senior roles at UDSM, including Associate Professor of Economic Law, Intellectual Property Manager, Chief Corporate Counsel and Secretary to Council, noted that Tanzania has enormous potential to use intellectual property as a catalyst for industrialization and entrepreneurship.
“Tanzania can significantly benefit from stronger collaboration between universities, industry, and government institutions in transforming innovations into commercially viable products and services,” he said.
During the event, Prof. Mwakaje also delivered a presentation on the role of intellectual property and emerging technologies in advancing innovation within Tanzania’s sports industry. He highlighted how commercialization of knowledge and technology can create employment opportunities while strengthening industrial competitiveness.
Protecting intellectual property assets, promoting ethical use of trademarks
UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor-Planning, Finance and Administration, Prof. Bernadeta Killian emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual property assets and promoting ethical use of trademarks and registered brands.
“Respect for intellectual property rights is essential in strengthening investor confidence, protecting innovation, and creating a competitive business environment,” she said.
Prof. Killian further encouraged stakeholders in the creative and innovation sectors to utilize consultancy and advisory services offered by UDSM in areas of intellectual property management, commercialization, and technology transfer.
“The University of Dar es Salaam possesses strong institutional expertise in intellectual property and commercialization matters. Innovators, entrepreneurs, and creative industry stakeholders should take advantage of these capacities to strengthen protection and commercialization of their innovations”, she noted.
The recognition comes at a time when UDSM continues to expand its research and innovation ecosystem in line with Tanzania’s National Intellectual Property and Commercialization Framework.
Through its Intellectual Property Unit and innovation support structures, the University has maintained close collaboration with BRELA in promoting awareness, policy implementation, and protection of innovation ecosystems across the country.
The University has also secured several patents linked to scientific and technological innovations developed by its researchers, including technologies related to bioethanol production from bamboo juice and other research-based inventions with commercial potential.
UDSM investment in intellectual property governance and commercialization systems
Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Judith Iddy, the Intellectual Property Manager at UDSM said the award reflects the University’s sustained investment in strengthening intellectual property governance and commercialization systems.
“The University of Dar es Salaam continues to strengthen mechanisms that support researchers, innovators, and students in protecting and commercializing their innovations,” she said.
She added: “Our focus is to ensure that research outcomes move beyond academic publications and translate into practical technologies, enterprises, and solutions that create impact in society.”
She emphasised that the University remains committed to supporting Tanzania’s industrialization agenda through innovation-driven partnerships, entrepreneurship development, and effective technology transfer systems.
The recognition of Prof. Mwakaje further reinforces UDSM’s growing role in advancing the knowledge economy and demonstrates the increasing contribution of higher learning institutions in promoting innovation competitiveness, commercialization, and sustainable national development.